6 Sensational Reasons to Visit Yucca Valley and Its Quirky Hidden Gems
Are you looking for a unique and charming desert getaway? If you’ve already been to Palm Springs and or want someplace cooler in temps, consider visiting Yucca Valley, California. Here are 6 sensational reasons you need to add Yucca Valley to your travel bucket list.
1). Desert vibes without the unbearable temps!
Yucca Valley tends to be at least 10 degrees cooler than the nearby, Palm Springs which can be a game changer and total relief especially when comparing the 3 digit temps of Palm Springs during the hottest season. We found the high 70s-low 80 degree temps late September during our Yucca Valley visit to be perfect! (DWhereas Palm Springs was in the high 90s-Los 100s)! 😅😅
Plus, Yucca Valley offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than touristy Palm Springs. Being city slickers ourselves, we absolutely cherished the peaceful, often other-worldly vibes. You will surely feel transported here. It was the perfect place for a girls’ getaway from the hustle and bustle of LA.
Nature enthusiasts will especially enjoy the awe-inspiring star and sunset gazing, the iconic Joshua tree /boulder / mountain landscape, plus the hiking and the rock climbing opportunities throughout this picturesque desert town. If you’ve never immersed yourself in this sort of environment, it will absolutely blow your mind!
2). World Famous Crochet Museum
Immerse yourself in a whimsical wonderland filled with stunning crochet creations from talented artists around the globe at this one-of-a-kind, pit stop created by local artist, Shari Elf.
Marvel at the intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and extraordinary designs that showcase the true artistry of crochet. Whether you’re a seasoned crochet enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of handmade crafts, this tiny but extraordinary museum promises to captivate your imagination and leave you in awe.
📍 61855 29 Palms Highway. Closes at 5PM
3). Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum
Part hair salon (by appointment), part art exhibit, and part museum, this is a fun and unforgettable find! The pastel exterior featuring a fun photo opp in front of the store with its vintage beauty salon chairs totally sets the stage for the vintage vibes inside, doesn’t it?
Walk inside and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in HAIRstory! The lovingly curated, pastel beauty palace is a feast for the eyes!
Think mannequin heads artfully topped with colorful curlers, nostalgic and never-seen-before hair products, vintage brooches and starburst sunnies. Think glamour shots, mixed in with articles, ads and unusual, rare products from the beauty industry. This place is so unique it warranted a documentary called, “Inside the beauty bubble” featuring its founder, Jeff Hafler.
📍 61855 29 Palms HWY. open 10am-6pm (It’s right next to the crochet museum so park once and see both)!!
4). Yucca Valley’s thriving arts scene,
is also a huge draw. Amongst the charming choices, I’d recommend Noah Purifoy outdoor desert art museum if unconventional, modern art is your thing.
Set amidst the unique desert landscape, isolated in what seems like no man’s land, I truly enjoyed wandering around and exploring the eccentric installations, makeshift houses, and arches built with toilets, and tires. This place proves that one man’s trash truly is another’s treasure and reminded me of a similar desert exhibit we once visited called Slab City by the Salton City.
📍 63030 Blair Ln. Joshua Tree, CA. TIP-go when the sun is down to avoid harsh sunlight and excessive heat and also to avoid other people in your photos. This gallery is open to the public sun up to sundown at 8pm without an entrance fee and dogs are welcome.
5). Vintage shop at The End.
Fashionistas flock to this vintage store! If you’re into vintage, jewelry, and rare fashion finds, this is a must-stop! I bought a pretty cottage core style nightgown here and an art deco golden necklace which I can’t wait to wear. Btw shopping was our only cardio on this trip and I much preferred it that way! And my eyes (maybe not so much my legs) got the most fun workout here!!
📍 55872 29 Palms HWY. open 11am-5pm
6). Go back in Time at Pioneer Town
Pioneertown in Yucca Valley is a hidden gem nestled in the mesmerizing beauty of the Mojave Desert. Stepping foot into this charming town feels like traveling back in time to the era of the wild west, with its rustic buildings and dusty streets. The old-fashioned saloons, authentic western-style shops, and the famous Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace exude an aura of nostalgia and old-fashioned adventure.
Whether you’re a Western enthusiast, or simply a content creator like us seeking unique backdrops, Pioneertown promises to leave an indelible impression on your memory!
BONUS Bucket List stop in Yucca Valley?
Make sure to eat at La Copine while in the Yucca Valley. It has been featured in the NY Times and Vogue and we can attest to its deliciousness!! We ordered 7 items and loved them ALL! It’s a must stop..trust us!
Ok! Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow along on Instagram for more videos and photos of this amazing girls’ getaway to Yucca Valley. I hope you get to visit one day and hope that this list is helpful to you and inspires you to visit one day!!
Click HERE for 5 wild and wacky things to do with kids in Tokyo, Japan!
